AUIII XR6 VCT - What Mods for What Gains?

clontarf_x · 26-07-2008, 12:04 PM

So I have just received my tax return for last financial year, and it's looking rather plump. Given a budget of 2K, what performance mods can I make to the exhaust/intake/heads to give it a bit more power.

My original plan was to save another few K to get myself a 9PSI Raptor kit (heard nothing but good news about them so far), but I am thinking adding an SC would benefit from some pre-existing tweaks beforehand.

So, in short, for 2K, what should I be installing?

StealthAu · 26-07-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clontarf_x

So I have just received my tax return for last financial year, and it's looking rather plump. Given a budget of 2K, what performance mods can I make to the exhaust/intake/heads to give it a bit more power.

My original plan was to save another few K to get myself a 9PSI Raptor kit (heard nothing but good news about them so far), but I am thinking adding an SC would benefit from some pre-existing tweaks beforehand.

So, in short, for 2K, what should I be installing?

If your planning on getting a raptor kit start with upgrading the exhaust. There is a group buy on the pacemaker extractors at the moment, I'd suggest a set of 4480;s and a full 3" system with high flow mufflers and metal core cat. This will also see you some pretty good gains for the time being in n/a form.

clontarf_x · 26-07-2008, 04:29 PM

Yeah. To be honest I'm happy with the stock performance for now (never really felt the need to go any faster), but wouldn't mind increasing the performance. I've pretty much committed to the 4499's after some research (apparently not too much difference between the two) and am now looking around some local shops for exhausts to match.

*edit* I take that back, now chosen the 4480's...

What about intake? I already have an XR8 intake, are there more gains to be had in a pod filter setup ala GT or should I just get a better filter?

b2tf · 26-07-2008, 05:41 PM

whats already done to your car, i take it it is stock?

clontarf_x · 26-07-2008, 06:09 PM

Stock other than an XR8 snorkel (or pod filter when i get bored and look for a little extra exhaust tone). I think it may be one of those freaks though, she's quick...

b2tf · 26-07-2008, 06:58 PM

Ok so for all intents and purposes it's stock.

If it were mine and I had the money you do, Id do the full exhaust - your choice of headers (I dont know much about I6 headers), a magnaflow cat or similar, and a good 2.5" system - thats probably the best "bolt on" gain that you can get. After that I'd look at intake and get a larger intake pipe made up, and do some work on the airbox. DON'T go butchering it as I have, Ive seen that it makes bugger all difference on a dyno - if you're going to do it, either make yourself a G&D style one (I only call it this as thats what you'd base your design on), or leave the stock airbox and put a decent filter in it. To give you an idea, the stock one is good for up to 200rwkw on an 8, so its going to do fine on a 6.

Save some money to have the edit done but do it once youve sorted everything else out.

clontarf_x · 26-07-2008, 07:24 PM

Yeah the edit was a given, or some other way of tuning (some pretty good shops over here in WA). I was looking at making a sort of aluminium airbox/pod enclosure of some sort, but will go over the legalities of that with the DPI. I'm getting pretty excited about finally doing some work

The Monty · 27-07-2008, 09:27 AM

Dont go 2.5 inch if you are going forced induction ever, as it will need to be replaced later on. 3 inch is perfect for NA and boosted, so dont waste your money and buy both.
Id get 4480's, 3 inch exhaust and a CAPA flash tuner loaded with KPM tunes. You can use it all when you boost it, and it works great in NA form.
With just intake, tune and exhaust I went from 15.8's (with a 2.5 inch cat back, K&N panel filter and Ticky intake), to consistent 14.9's, and all the mods can be used when going forced.

The Monty · 27-07-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clontarf_x

Yeah the edit was a given, or some other way of tuning (some pretty good shops over here in WA). I was looking at making a sort of aluminium airbox/pod enclosure of some sort, but will go over the legalities of that with the DPI. I'm getting pretty excited about finally doing some work

I have a 3 inch s/s intake, with an elbow going into the stock box, front cut out, and the ticky snorkle on it, and a K&N X'stream pod.
It looks stock (except for the intake pipe), ie. original box, but with the front cut out, and the smallish K&N pod, it all fits up nice and hidden and is completely legal.

clontarf_x · 27-07-2008, 09:31 AM

That's some useful info there. I am definitely looking at forced, I was worried however thinking using a 3inch pipe on an NAI6 would be too droney though. How does yours sound at WOT and cruising on light throttle?

StealthAu · 27-07-2008, 11:54 AM

I have a 3" system with only a single muffler and it is quieter then my old 2.5" system at low revs/ cruising, but it roars like nothing else when you put your foot into it.

The Monty · 27-07-2008, 12:30 PM

Its not droney, I only have a single straight through three inch and Blackers10's fairlane is louder, except over about 4500rpm, sounds like a saloon car, and pretty loud. I leave to go to work at 2 every morning, and Ive never had a complaint, and I live in a quiet area.
Even if you went to two mufflers, thats not much restriction and it would be pretty quiet.

blackers10 · 27-07-2008, 07:59 PM

a turbo is like a giant muffler if you go that route.

StealthAu · 27-07-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackers10

a turbo is like a giant muffler if you go that route.

I've never noticed turbo cars to be quiet

blackers10 · 27-07-2008, 08:20 PM

well malakai on the forum has an EA AIT turbo with just a cat and 3" mandrel bent exhaust and it would pass for legal or very close to it...

do that on a falcon and ud be done for disturbing china

TURBOTAXI · 27-07-2008, 08:29 PM

Turbo's do knock allot of bark out of the exhaust.

clontarf_x · 27-07-2008, 08:40 PM

Ya, this much I do know. It won't be a turbo though, as I do have my heart set on an S/C kit (which is a belt driven turbo, but meh, we don't get too specific :P). That is why I was querying head work e.t.c to see if the stock Intech heads required better flow, or if they can deal with it out of the box.

I am very likely going to take my exhaust and tuning to BPT Motorsport here in Perth, affiliated with the FPV/Tickford Owners Club of WA and seem like an honest crew.